Methylprednisolone and Pain: What Users Say

• Mar...
• January 7, 2020

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "I am 58. I have been having a delayed allergy-related swelling on the right side of my face for years (5 times a year or so), I just deal with it. Finally, I decided to tell my doctor, and we are starting testing to find out what my allergy is. He gave me Medrol to reduce the swelling. Wow, swelling down in hours! I have to say I guess I have been used to aches and pains at my age... this eliminated every pain I have had. Minor things like bending to tie shoes and such. I feel like I am literally 20 years old. AMAZING. Probably will not last once I stop the medication, but man, the excellent side effects, besides treating the swelling, was a pure surprise bonus I had no idea would happen."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2019

Methylprednisolone for Osteoarthritis "Been on med for only 3 days, and there is a noticeable decrease in the amount of pain and swelling I had prior to taking this med. I could barely walk after having an arthritic flare-up in my knee. By the second day of taking this med, the pain decreased greatly, and I was able to walk. I still had some pain, but not nearly as bad as it was. I still have 3 days to go. I'm hoping for even better news!"

• Eni...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2018

For Inflammatory Conditions "Inflammation all over my body, multiple UTIs, swelling mouth and tongue, two disk issues, in neck and right shoulder pain and numbness in hand and fingers. Just finishing the meds today. I feel 90% better. Just hope it lasts."

• Kwi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "This drug is AMAZING! After I took this medicine, I was back to myself! I was barely walking, my hands were throbbing and killing me, pain behind my knees, I have something that is attacking all my joints. My orthopedic doctor prescribed this to me until I could see an R.A. doctor."

• Jen...
• December 10, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "Had a horrible cough. Choking so bad I actually hurt my neck. I was sure it was bronchitis. Dr. said no. Prescribed me this. First 2 days were fine. Then horrible stomach pains, no appetite, red rash on my face would come and go. I'm so extremely tired that no amount of sleep helps, leg cramps, I'm so sore all over I feel like I have been beaten, jaw pain. The list can go on. Shortness of breath almost like an anxiety attack. I still have the cough. I'll never take this drug again. I feel horrible."

• Rac...
• February 25, 2018

For Allergic Rhinitis "Developed a bad cold and went to urgent care. The urgent care NP prescribed Amoxicillin and Teslon Perles for me. Teslon Perles worked great to quiet my cough at night, but 7 days after going to urgent care, I had to go back because I felt worse: horrible sinus headache, sinus/cheek pain, nasal passages horribly swollen, and blowing my nose constantly. Went back to urgent care and the NP Rx'd a stronger antibiotic and a Medrol Dose Pak for me. I took all 6 pills of day one of the Pak, and after a 5-hour nap, my sinus headache was gone and the pressure in my cheeks was greatly reduced-all by the end of day one on the Pak. By the end of my second day on the Pak, I felt better and my sinus symptoms were greatly reduced. The Medrol Dose Pak has always worked very well for me. (Plus, it always makes my arthritis feel better!) Con of Medrol Dose Pak? As I am weaning off of it, my torso will feel sunburned, sore, and sensitive to touch ...but I am willing to go through this side effect to get rid of a painful sinus infection."

• Ful...
• September 3, 2018

For Inflammatory Conditions "Took the dose pack for 5 days for pain in foot. Next day had horrible pain in shoulders, and muscle stiffness and pain in legs. Pain and stiffness traveled from left to right side. Ortho surgeon said he never prescribes this drug. Went to an immunologist MD. Had blood work, everything normal. After 6 months went to RA Specialist - no diagnosis for RA or other autoimmune disease. Still have muscle pain and stiffness and joint pain. Had x-rays - all normal. Ruled out everything possible. Pain has gone on for over a year. Know of many others who had or are experiencing the same. Just found out I need a total hip replacement due to the deterioration of the femur. My doctor said prednisone can cause this. BEWARE of this drug and stay away from it! The side effects that they have are not always disclosed. From what I found out, many others have experienced the same. RA doctors like to prescribe this drug and will disagree, but be warned. If the ortho surgeons will not prescribe, you know there is something wrong."

• Big...
• February 24, 2021

Methylprednisolone for Gout, Acute "Fantastic. After the first three doses of the first day of six pills, I could tell pain has subsided. After 24 hours and six pills from the first day waking up, it was about 80% better. Less pain, inflammation, and redness had gone down immensely. If it worked that well on the first day, the next five days, it should be completely gone very soon. I would certainly recommend this. I would give this a 10 out of 10."

• Tom...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 1, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "I can suddenly swell up and not be able to move, especially in hands with the inability to even walk. While I have pain medication, it simply does not work (though others seek this medication I take). I will go from a wheelchair to walking around in less than a few hours. I will be in tears from the pain. I happened to have an attack while visiting my Dr. 6 hours away, he had seen me the day before for a test, and I was using a walker, but now I was incapable of moving and was using a wheelchair. He ordered home health and PT. I asked for a Medrol dose pack, and by the time I got home, the symptoms had alleviated to the point I was at 90%. Amazed at how quick it works and the expression I get when I don't ask for pain meds."

• bit...
• September 1, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "I had rotator cuff surgery in June. Physical therapy has been going great, and I was off Vicodin. Last week, my shoulder started to hurt a lot, and my range of motion was getting smaller. Then I noticed a large lump on the top of my shoulder. Went back to the orthopedic surgeon, and I have now developed a grade 2 AC joint sprain. Was prescribed Medrol 4 mg dose pack and Vicodin. Took 3 of the 6 pills so far today, and already the pain is decreasing. I can finally move my arm a little without pain. Love this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2016

Methylprednisolone for Allergic Rhinitis "This medicine was prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis, and I have had terrible leg spasms and leg pain. I have eaten potassium-rich foods and have stayed hydrated, but the pain will not go away. I cannot sleep due to the leg pain. I will never take this medicine again unless it is for life-saving measures."

• mis...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 9, 2020

Methylprednisolone for Osteoarthritis "Years ago, when I had bronchitis, my family doc gave me an injection of Depo-Medrol, and it not only fixed my lungs, it fixed the pains everywhere in my back and hip. Fast forward years later, my family doc retired, and I had a hard time finding someone to give the injection. Finally, a pain clinic will give it, but I need it more than every 3 months. It's an intramuscular injection. I have severe osteoarthritis now and take calcium and magnesium supplements. I am in severe pain 30 days after the injection and am bedridden until I can get the injection again. I get low-dose opiates, they do not touch the pain, and the doc won't up the mg dose, and I am afraid to take Meloxicam and Diclofenac, the RX NSAIDs."

• Sch...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2017

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "Taken twice over the last 7 weeks post-knee replacement surgery. After 6 weeks back at work at a desk for 8 hours, my good leg and lower back hurt so bad, and my replaced knee had pain and swelling from the knee to my foot. Works immediately! Worked the entire time I was on it for 6 days. Then, pain returns. Can't take long term, so I'm not sure how to relieve it any other way. OT said exercise, but I can hardly stand up straight, much less work out."

• Med...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2022

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "I have used it 3 times, and each time with amazing success for musculoskeletal conditions. The first for knee injuries, pain, and swelling - had a hard time walking or doing stairs - iced and rested for a week with ibuprofen and no success. One Medrol pack, and I was significantly better - I still had issues because I tore the meniscus, but I could walk again relatively pain-free. The second for back pain - I had a hard time sleeping and pain with sitting, standing, transitional movement. The Medrol pack took the pain away, and I gradually returned to activity a week later. I always make sure not to do any excess activity when taking them to allow my body to heal, but once I’m finished with the pack, I get back to returning to sport. I am on my third one (over 1.5 years), I just started on it, and I feel so much better, and I have an amazing sense of well-being - or maybe it’s just the fact that I’m not feeling pain anymore! I will finish the pack as directed, however, amazing medicine!"

• Bye...
• November 3, 2016

For Gout, Acute "First gout attack in 8 years. I take a low dose daily of allopurinol. Managed to allow myself to get dehydrated (too much coffee, allergy medication) and also was not exactly watching what I was eating and drinking. Woke up with that familiar big toe pain. By evening, I couldn't walk, and the pain was so bad even after taking two Aleve and a Percocet. I was up most of the night in excruciating pain. Called my family doc in the morning, and he called this methylprednisolone in to my pharmacy. My prescription plan picked it up, and it cost me $5! Took the 1st day course as directed. Woke up this morning with only slight discomfort! I have never had a gout attack that calmed down this quickly. Usually did the Indocin thing, which took much longer!"

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2009

For Inflammatory Conditions "I was injured at work and out for a few weeks. I still haven't had an MRI, so when the doctor prescribed me this drug, I was hesitant. I felt results on the first day of treatment. I was mobile again, and I thought I was cured. By the end of the pack, the pain started to come back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2018

For Inflammatory Conditions "The 6-day pack of methylprednisolone worked to relieve inflammation from sciatica, but I wish I had not taken it. I felt thirsty all the time, really dry face and hands. On days 3 and 4, my heart rate would spike above 140 without me moving at all shortly after dosing. I also had terrible insomnia, still do a little. The worst part, though, was the joint pain in my leg and knee. It felt like pain down to the bone, but was isolated to the leg with sciatica. It seemed like maybe it amplified the pain tenfold! Oh, and now my knee and toes crack louder than ever before. I've been off the pack for 24 hours, and the side effects seem to be tapering away. Not sure if not taking the pack would have been worse, but overall it sucked pretty bad."

• Liz...
• September 30, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Still unsure about methylprednisolone and waiting on more results. Doc subscribed for my knuckles swollen, possible gout. For many months of feeling like my joints being literally RIPPING apart at the joints - fingers, hip, knees, ankle, and all the bones in both feet. Within 36-48 hours after starting the med, taking it on a strict time schedule! I started to feel like a human being again, and by the 5th day I thought I was imagining that I could actually live a normal life again. I am scared the pain is going to come back, it has been four weeks. I am not 100% but I would love to get back to a life that isn't solely based on pain."

• Rem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2024

"Last year, I was given methylprednisolone for my long Covid. Prior, I had been suffering with brain fog, limited mobility, leg spasms, fatigue, and digestive issues. My weight had dropped to 127 from 188 pounds. I was treated via infusion treatment for 5 days, followed by high doses of prednisone for a few months. Following the treatment, I was clear of symptoms for about three months. I began to have leg spasms on my right side and some leg pain. My brain fog went away and has not returned, and my fatigue is also better. My condition is more manageable now."

• Aut...
• November 21, 2020

For Inflammatory Conditions "I was prescribed a 6-day course of 4 mg methylprednisolone tablets to quicken the healing of an infection by the root of my tooth post-root canal. I took my first two pills around 12 p.m. By 1 p.m., I was experiencing unbearable pressure in my head, especially behind my eyes, sensitivity to light and swelling in both eyes, weakness, body pains, nausea, and a lot of anger/anxiety. After two hours, my eye/head pressure subsided around 80%, and my nausea was gone. I felt comfortable to try taking my second dose of two pills at 5 p.m. Within 30 minutes, all of my bad reaction symptoms came back tenfold, my left eye swelled badly and bulged. I had to go to emergency care. I was instructed to stop taking the pills and see an eye doctor if needed. It's been 16 hours since my last dose, and I feel like I've been hit by a truck. I suffer from chronic migraines, and I've never felt a headache like this. Thankfully, my eye swelling and bulging subsided, but I am still having light sensitivity and pain."

• mer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "This is some grim stuff. I was prescribed the 16 mg tablets for allergic rhinitis, which comes and goes every now and then. First day I took it... very hefty headache and some trouble sleeping that night. I thought, 'Was that the medicine I took, or did I just lack fluids today?'. I left it for a few days, took 1 again today. Nope. Not good at all. I feel like I've been beaten up. Headache, lower back aches, legs ache, got no mental clarity. If anyone suffers from allergic rhinitis like myself, consider the fluticasone furoate nasal spray. That's been excellent for me."

• Pas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2024

For Gout, Acute "First major gout flare in my right foot joint behind big toe. I had been taking Methylprednisolone 16mg for arthritis attacks in my knees off and on, and read here it could treat gout as well. So after the first day or two, pain was reduced and I could walk pretty much without pain with no shoes. But couldn't stand long without pain. But my foot is still swollen and reddish and in pain, tingling off and on. So I went back to the doctor and she prescribed Colchicine just today in tandem with the Methylprednisolone."

• Jer...
• December 3, 2016

For Allergic Rhinitis "I went to urgent care, Dr., because my primary Dr. was on vacation. I had seen this Dr. before when I had a bad case of a sinus problem, which he gave antibiotics. It cleared me up for 3 weeks, and then I had a bad relapse. Went back to the same Dr. who prescribed methylprednisolone 4 mg dose, okay, and stronger antibiotics. Man, oh man!! My sciatica was inflamed! I could not sleep, had to walk with a cane. I was in so much pain I wanted to stop taking them, but a nurse said to continue to take them because this medicine works throughout your body a certain way, then if it continued, see your primary Dr. I'm not finished yet. I had to miss my best friend's husband’s retirement party! And still having issues."

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2022

For Inflammatory Conditions "Dentist removed fractured implant and bone. Within hours of taking the first dose, the pain from surgery was minimized. I dosed according to the package. Not only did it reduce the swelling, inflammation, and pain for almost 6 days, it helped with my arthritic hands, sore but healing fractured shoulder, fractured toe pain, sore knees, and other inflammatory issues and the vertigo. I was able to only use ibuprofen for 6 days, but last night when I fell asleep, the mouth pain hit me like a truck. I was up half the night and had to sit up, take Tramadol for some relief. My aches and pains are slowly returning today. It works awesome, but the relief is not long-lived when you take a dose pack."

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2022

For Inflammatory Conditions "Dentist removed fractured implant and bone. Within hours of taking the first dose, the pain from surgery was minimized. I dosed according to the package. Not only did it reduce the swelling, inflammation, and pain for almost 6 days, it helped with my arthritic hands, sore but healing fractured shoulder, fractured toe pain, sore knees, and other inflammatory issues and the vertigo. I was able to only use ibuprofen for 6 days, but last night when I fell asleep, the mouth pain hit me like a truck. I was up half the night and had to sit up, take Tramadol for some relief. My aches and pains are slowly returning today. It works awesome, but the relief is not long-lived when you take a dose pack."